What Are Progressive Web Apps

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are web applications that use modern web capabilities to deliver app-like experiences to users. They combine the best of web and mobile apps, offering reliability, speed, and engagement without requiring app store distribution.

Key PWA features include:

  • Service Workers: Enable offline functionality and background sync
  • Web App Manifest: Allows installation to home screen
  • HTTPS: Secure connection required
  • Responsive Design: Works on any device size
  • App-like Interface: Full-screen, immersive experience

Native Apps Explained

Native apps are built specifically for a platform (iOS or Android) using platform-specific languages and tools. They're distributed through app stores and installed directly on devices.

Native app characteristics:

  • Built with Swift/Objective-C (iOS) or Kotlin/Java (Android)
  • Full access to device hardware and APIs
  • Distributed through App Store and Google Play
  • Optimal performance for platform
  • Platform-specific UI/UX patterns

Performance Comparison

Performance varies significantly between PWAs and native apps. Native apps generally offer faster startup times and smoother animations due to direct hardware access and compiled code. However, modern PWAs with WebAssembly and proper caching can deliver near-native performance for many use cases.

PWAs excel in initial load time since there's no installation delay, while native apps provide better performance for graphics-intensive applications like games or video editing tools.

Installation and Distribution

Distribution models differ dramatically. PWAs can be installed directly from the browser without app store approval, enabling instant updates and reducing user acquisition costs by up to 10x. Native apps require app store submission and review, which can take 1-7 days but provides the benefit of app store visibility and trust.

PWAs eliminate the friction of app store downloads, potentially increasing conversion rates by 3-5x.

Offline Capabilities

Both technologies support offline functionality. PWAs use service workers to cache resources and data, while native apps have built-in local storage and databases. Native apps generally offer more robust offline experiences for complex applications, but PWAs are rapidly closing this gap.

SEO and Discoverability

This is where PWAs have a significant advantage. PWAs are indexable by search engines, can rank in Google search results, and are shareable via URLs. Native apps rely entirely on app store optimization and cannot be discovered through web search, limiting organic growth potential.

When to Choose Each

Choose PWA when: Content is your primary focus, you want maximum reach with minimal friction, SEO is critical, budget is limited, or rapid iteration is important.

Choose Native when: You need advanced device features, performance is critical, you want platform-specific UI/UX, app store presence is valuable, or you're monetizing through app stores.